Psychological Challenges Facing Orphaned Children and Caregivers: A Case of Ubungo Institutionalized Centers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish psychological challenges facing orphaned children and caregivers residing in six institutionalized institutions located at Ubungo District in Dar es Salaam. The study involved 67 participants who were selected through purposive sampling technique. They included twelve caregivers, six Directors, one Social Welfare Officer and 48 children. The study applied the descriptive research design. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and non- participant observation. Data were sorted and coded based on themes and presented according to the research questions through the thematic approach. Results indicated that orphan children were faced with stigma, discrimination, bullying, physical punishment, anxiety, poor attachment and isolation. To some extent, the challenges were caused by grief and lack of counseling knowledge and skills from the caregivers. Additionally, care givers had limited freedom to punish/discipline children with misbehaviors. Therefore, the study recommends counseling training for caregivers in order to minimize children psychological complexities and misbehaviors as well as furnishing of life skills training for orphans.